As you may have already heard, the site for the 2005 International Rally is the Allen County Fairgrounds, in Lima, Ohio. (It is pronounced LIME – AH) And WHAT A SITE it is! Without a doubt, this is one of the finest traditional rally sites that we have seen in a long time. With groves of mature shade trees, the campers will be quite pleased with the tent and RV accommodations available for our group. Although it is located on the outskirts of the city and has a distinctively rural feel, it is within walking distance of a Super Wal-Mart, assorted chain restaurants, and is only a mile from the nearest motels.

The array of buildings is ideal for our many needs: from seminars to vendors to the Beer Garden, the structures are perfect for our venue.

The "Main Street" is a shaded walkway with park benches and flower boxes. In addition, the pond (which will be in the main camping area) adds a picturesque setting for tents and relaxing conversations with old and new friends.

This year we are doing something really fun: We are transforming the Allen County Fairgrounds into our own small town. BEEMERVILLE will have street names like Airhead Way, Chain Drive, Flying Brick Road, & Oilhead Alley. There will be the Beemerville Tap and the University of Beemerville, to help create an illusion of our own little community. And we have some other very exciting ideas on the back burner right now too, which promise to make the ’05 national one-to-remember.

Lima is within 600 miles of a vast majority of the BMW MOA membership. Because of its central location, it should be easily accessible for many of the members who find some of the national rallies hard to get to. How far is it from YOUR house?

When is comes to exotic and breathtaking scenery, well --- western Ohio may not be your cup of tea. But if you take some extra time to get off the slab, you will experience a true slice of Americana. This is what Norman Rockwell drew pictures of --- small town America. The gentle rolling hillsides and farm communities that dot the Ohio landscape will make you want to roll off the throttle a little, so you can enjoy the rural beauty of this state. You don’t need to torch any tanks to get there! Take the time to stop at that little, out-of-the way restaurant for a slice of home made pie and a cup of Joe. If you do this, I guarantee you will remember this trip for a long time.

Ohio is the home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the AMA Museum, the Mid-Ohio race track, the Air Force Museum, and a bevy of other interesting places to visit if you are so inclined. Be watching the BMW MOA web page and future issues of the BMW Owners News for articles about these and other interesting sites to see and do as you plan your 2005 summer riding.

This national rally promises to break all kinds of records! You don’t want to miss it. So – ask the boss for these dates off, enter it into your PDA, and put the word out to your riding buddies…. This is going to be GREAT!!!!

See you in Beemerville. We’ll leave the light on.